City comparison
Yes. Durham's crime index is 193 versus 221 in Toledo, and its violent crime index is 163 versus 279, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Toledo is cheaper. Median rent is $934 a month versus $1,508 in Durham.
The cost gap between Durham and Toledo is the real story here. Toledo comes in 38% cheaper on typical rent ($1,508 vs $934), which over a year adds up to $6,888. Median household income runs $81,619 in Durham and $62,224 in Toledo.
Durham is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Toledo makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Durham is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Toledo at $934 average has pockets that run $734 and others at $1,334: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Durham and Toledo are 465 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,508 a month in Durham to $934 a month in Toledo, down $574 a month (38%).
Median household income goes from $81,619 in Durham to $62,224 in Toledo, down $19,395 (24%).
The crime index goes from 193 in Durham to 221 in Toledo, up 28 points (15%).
The move
Toledo and Durham are 465 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $934 a month in Toledo to $1,508 a month in Durham, up $574 a month (61%).
Median household income goes from $62,224 in Toledo to $81,619 in Durham, up $19,395 (31%).
The crime index goes from 221 in Toledo to 193 in Durham, down 28 points (13%).
Durham, NC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Toledo, OH
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Durham and Toledo? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
38% cheaper
Toledo rent is 38% cheaper than Durham
Durham
$1,508/mo
Toledo
Winner$934/mo
Typical rent runs $934 a month in Toledo versus $1,508 in Durham, so Toledo is 38% cheaper. That's roughly $574/month back in your pocket ($6,888/year). Over five years that's $34,440 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Durham, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Toledo is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Durham? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
31% higher
Durham's median income is 31% higher than Toledo
Durham
Winner$81,619
Toledo
$62,224
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham versus $62,224 in Toledo, so typical pay runs 31% higher in Durham (about $19,395 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Durham is the stronger labor market on paper. Toledo can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
13% lower crime
Durham's crime index is 13% lower than Toledo
Durham
Winner193 (100 = avg)
Toledo
221 (100 = avg)
Durham's crime index is 193 versus 221 in Toledo (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 13% lower in Durham. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Durham, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Toledo. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
36% more comfortable
Durham weather is 36% more comfortable than Toledo
Durham
Winner59°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 83/100
Toledo
51°F avg · 58°F highs · comfort 61/100
Durham averages about 59°F (68°F highs); Toledo averages about 51°F (58°F highs). Durham averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Toledo averages around 51°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Durham scores 36% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Toledo if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 31% higher ($81,619), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 59°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Durham is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 13% lower than Toledo (193 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Toledo
Toledo is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 38% cheaper here at about $934 a month. Choose Toledo if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Toledo undercuts Durham by $574/month ($934 vs $1,508). I would not pick Durham on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Toledo rent at $934/month is still below Durham's $1,508, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 59°F in Durham and 51°F in Toledo.
Between Durham and Toledo, Toledo is ahead on housing cost — $934/month rent against $1,508. Lean Durham instead when your $81,619 income offer in Durham outweighs saving $574/month in Toledo.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Durham when you're ready to act.
Keep researching
Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Durham and Toledo, plus other cities in NC and OH.
